Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 423 The War of Words Between the Two Sides of the Strait, People from Back Then
The news that "The Martian" would hold its premiere in late April spread quickly within the industry, and invitations were sent out just as fast.

Just as Han Sanping was frantically inviting people from all walks of life to gather, around noon on April 13, a major problem arose with "The Founding of a Republic".

"Huh? Food poisoning?"

Wu Chen was also stunned when he heard Han Sanping's words. What was going on? How did the crew get poisoned?

Han Sanping, on the other hand, was cursing and swearing:
"This is outrageous! Absolutely outrageous! I'm going to sue the Peiyuan Hotel in Shanghai until they go bankrupt!"

After saying that, Han Sanping continued, "I have to go to Shanghai right now. Nearly a hundred people have been admitted to the hospital. I can't not go."

Filming is still going on in Huairou, with the assistant director's team there. If you're free, could you keep an eye on the set for a day and make sure things don't fall behind?

"I do have time, but I don't think we'll need you. The directing team is quite well-staffed."

"Some teams have already gone to Yan'an to film, a team has been sent from Shanghai, and Director Huang has also led a team to Nanjing."

"We just finished filming a major scene in Huairou, and the tasks have been distributed. I'm worried about things going wrong, so this is a good opportunity for you to familiarize yourself with the crew and get a feel for the Xiyuan Airport parade in May."

Wu Chen understood; so the filming team had been divided.

Alright.

The matter of "The Founding of a Republic" caused quite a stir, and Wu Chen temporarily went to take a look.

At this time, Feng Xiaogang, perhaps because he was too free, went to attend the 33rd Hong Kong International Film Festival and also participated in the "Chinese Film Outlook Forum" at the festival.
He was the first to criticize Zhang Ziyi's high salary, claiming that her 2000 million yuan fee led him to abandon the so-called international superstar in his new film "Aftershock".

He then launched into a tirade, accusing Hong Kong audiences of looking down on mainland films, and in the heat of the moment, he unleashed a torrent of profanities:

“My film sells 2000 million yuan a day in mainland China, but only one-tenth of that in Hong Kong. This is because audiences think Taiwanese films are better than mainland films, and they look down on us. How so?”
Damn! So why should we bother chasing after them? I'm being blunt, and if that offends any of the Hong Kong viewers here, I apologize. I have no choice; I have to tell the truth.”

It wasn't a big deal when it was said on the spot. Although Wu Yusen, Liu Weiqiang and the others were quite embarrassed, Hong Kong media and netizens immediately launched a barrage of rebuttals and harsh criticisms.

"Poorly filmed, incomprehensible."

Suddenly, a war of words erupted without warning.

People in Hong Kong's film industry have also started to criticize mainland filmmakers, even more harshly than Feng Xiaogang.

"I believe that 80% of the credit for the development of Chinese cinema goes to Hong Kong filmmakers."

"Mainland directors discriminate against Hong Kong actors, limiting their career development opportunities in the mainland."

Both sides were engaged in a heated exchange of insults.

The next day at noon, Han Sanping dragged his tired body back. Wu Chen swaggered into the director's chair and, seeing this, couldn't help but ask:
"Chairman Han, how's the situation in Shanghai going?"

"It's alright. The hundred people have improved after receiving IV drips and their conditions have stabilized. The three critically ill patients are also out of danger. They'll be fine after a few more days of rest." Han Sanping breathed a sigh of relief, but his anger quickly returned. "Damn it, these unscrupulous hotels, making money this way, are utterly heartless."

After finishing his rant, he glanced at the film crew, who were all in good order, which reassured him somewhat. He then asked, "Is the film okay?"

After saying "There won't be any problems," Wu Chen looked at Han Sanping curiously. "By the way, Chairman Han, when you came in, didn't the media ask for your opinion on the war of words between the two places?"

When he arrived in the morning, he was surrounded by a lot of media, but he remained silent.

Han Sanping pursed his lips, "Of course he asked. Can't Feng Xiaogang keep things to himself?"

Wu Chen smiled inwardly upon hearing this; Han Sanping was clearly also quite displeased. "I can't make these kinds of comments, as for you..."

Han Sanping suddenly looked at Wu Chen with a strange expression, because among the major directors in mainland China, Wu Chen was the only one who had never used any Hong Kong actors, not even a single one.

"Bad Genius" was directed by Ning Hao, while Lu Yang's "Painted Skin" was his directorial debut.
Therefore, while criticizing the situation in Hong Kong, many people brought up Wu Chen as an example.

"You should say less, lest you really provoke a fight between the two places."

Han Sanping couldn't help but remind him that the scene would be quite different if Wu Chen were to participate.

Wu Chen has quite a few people involved.

On the way back, we naturally ran into a group of media again. The first thing the reporter said was:
"Director Wu, what's your opinion on Feng Xiaogang's attack on Hong Kong audiences? Some Hong Kong film critics say that you never use Hong Kong actors, which is discriminatory against Hong Kong actors."

"Nonsense, rubbish, there's no such thing."

Seeing this, the media were somewhat excited, thinking Wu Chen was about to drop a bombshell. But Wu Chen remained calm, a half-smile playing on his lips: "By the way, I have to say, the theme of 'Nanjing! Nanjing!' is problematic."

Before he could finish speaking, the reporters were taken aback, and then couldn't help but burst out laughing.

As evening fell and the sun set, the entire capital was bathed in a crimson glow. Of course, Lu Xun, who had seen the news report, was also reddened, and couldn't help but erupt in a furious tirade of curses:
"Wu Chen, you bastard."

Meanwhile, news also came from the August First Film Studio.

Ming Zhenjiang called: "Director Wu, I've found some of the information you requested, and I've now contacted several veterans who were originally messengers."

Mr. Huang Dianjun, a native of Jilin, joined the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army in 1936. He was a messenger under Commander Cao of the Second Division of the Second Army and participated in battles such as Fusong, Dawenzigou, Baijiabaozi, and Sandao Temple.
Mr. Yuan Shihuan, a member of the Sichuan Army, 483rd Regiment, 161st Division.
Grandpa Gong Jian.
"Old Master Wang Yuanbao."

Ming Zhenjiang said that they have already found the veteran messengers, all of whom are over seventy or eighty years old.

"They were incredibly excited when they learned we were going to film a story set during the War of Resistance against Japan, saying they would come anytime we needed them."

"No, no!" Wu Chen said quickly upon hearing this. "Don't bother these seniors. I'll go and visit the old men myself."

"Director Ming, send me the address. There's still some time before the premiere, and I'd like to take advantage of this gap to go and learn more."

Ming Zhenjiang was surprised that Wu Chen was in such a hurry, but he quickly nodded in agreement.

Ming Zhenjiang smiled and said approvingly, "Okay, I'll have someone arrange a time. Some roads might be hard to find, so I'll have someone from the factory who knows the area accompany you."

"Okay, thank you, Director Ming."

Wu Chen naturally did not refuse this kind offer; otherwise, it might have taken him a long time to find the way.

Soon the arrangements for the August 1st mission were finalized, with the first destination being Jingyu County in Jilin Province, where Mr. Huang Dianjun resided.

"I'm going too. I want to go with you. We promised you'd take me around to see the world when you have time, and now I'm going with you."

Liu Yifei held Wu Chen's hand and looked at him with a smile.

"Okay, you can be the recorder then."

Wu Chen smiled and ruffled Liu Yifei's hair. She gave him a reproachful look, then excitedly prepared...
(End of this chapter)